Date: 06-02-15
My Thoughts:
The Gospel writer, Luke, addresses this second treatise to the same person, Theophilus (see Luke 1:3). Indeed, this could be a real Roman official whose name means, “Friend of God” or “God’s Friend” or “God lover.” But I am suspicious that this is really a euphemism for anyone who desires to move from a “God-fearer” to a “God-lover”. I have notice that throughout much of the Book of Acts the phrase, “God-fearer,” is employed of those who are drawing closer to the true and living God. So is it possible that Luke is encouraging these “God-fearers” on the journey to the Messiah to become God-lovers? What do you think, lifestyle worshiper? What do you see are the differences between one who is a “God-fearer” and one who is a “God-lover”?
Your thoughts?
Main Text: — Acts 1:1-2 — 1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. [NIV84]
Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
We love because He first loved us. — 1 John 4:19 (NIV84)
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. —Ephesians 3:17-19 (NASB95)
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. — 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV84)
Heavenly Father, may I realized how much You Love me; ignite my love for You melting my fear of You and transforming it into Love for You. Empower me, Lord Jesus Christ, to be patient and kind to myself as well as to others. In Your Name, Amen.
Pastor Mike